HeySurf vs Hark: two AI assistants that do the work

HeySurf and Hark are built on the same belief: an AI assistant should finish tasks, not just answer questions. Both remember you, both can use a real browser, and both connect to your tools. The differences are in where they meet you, what they connect to, and how they handle your data. Here is an honest look, as of October 31, 2026.

The short version

• Choose HeySurf if you want an assistant that lives in your chats (web, iMessage and Telegram), works on its own cloud computer, and offers Zero Data Retention routing on paid plans.
• Choose Hark if you want native iOS and Android apps, a wide set of work integrations such as Gmail, Microsoft 365, Slack, Jira and Linear, and help with ordering and booking.

Where they meet you

HeySurf works in the web workspace, and you can link iMessage or Telegram from Accounts to message Surf like a friend. Results, reminders and proactive check-ins can arrive in those channels.

Hark runs on the web and in its own iOS and Android apps, organized as one continuous conversation plus Projects for longer efforts.

Getting work done

Surf has its own Cloud Computer for files, tools and building things, plus a browser you can watch live. You can take over at any moment, for example to sign in yourself, then hand control back. Files land in your project’s Space.

Hark also operates a real browser on the open web and can sign in to sites for you. It leans into everyday errands like ordering food or booking travel, and it can build websites and simple tools.

Connections

• HeySurf: Google (Calendar, Drive, Docs, Sheets and Forms), GitHub, Notion, iMessage and Telegram, plus any website through its browser.
• Hark: Google (including Gmail), Microsoft 365, Slack, Jira and Confluence, GitHub and Linear, plus sign-in to other sites.

If your day runs on Outlook, Slack or Jira, Hark covers more of it today. If you live in Google, Notion and your messaging apps, HeySurf fits naturally.

Proactivity and control

Both assistants can speak first. In HeySurf you decide how much: switch Proactive Surf on or off, choose one or two daily nudges, and set quiet hours. Deleting or sharing a Drive file always waits for your approval in a Check In, and Surf only sees the Drive files it created or you picked.

Privacy

On paid HeySurf plans, AI requests are routed with Zero Data Retention, so AI providers do not keep your prompts and responses. You can review and delete everything Surf remembers from Profile → System Preferences → Data Management.

Pricing

• HeySurf: Free with 500 AI credits a month, or Pro at $20 a month with 5,000 credits, up to 300 hours of Cloud Computer, 3 hours of Chrome-time and background tasks. Max is coming soon.
• Hark: a free plan, Pro² at $20 a month and Pro³ at $100 a month, each with more usage.

Which one should you pick?

Both are good choices, and you can try either for free. If you want an assistant in your iMessage or Telegram that works quietly in the background, keeps provider retention off and lets you take the wheel whenever you like, say hey to Surf.

Details change quickly in AI. Check each product’s own pricing page for the latest. Spotted something out of date? Tell us at help@lilac.codes.